Nuit Noire | Nuit Blanche

October 1, 2016 | Alexa Potashnik

Nuit Blanche is a free, night-long arts festival that takes place during Culture Days in Winnipeg at the end of September/beginning of October.  This year, Black Space demanded the festival remain diverse and be more inclusive for artists of colour. 2010, marked the first Nuit Blanche in Winnipeg. From its inception, there has been a feeling of disappointing among representation throughout the festival. The lack of diversity invoked action from community members, employing Culture Days to ensure Nuit Blanche takes steps in creating space for people of colour. This lead Black Space to it’s first-ever art show. Nuit Noire took place at Artists Exchange, studio ran and curated by local artist Gibril Bangura. Bangura alongside featured artists: Dubem Ukaigwe, Xavier Mutshipayi, Mahlet Cuff and Uri Portillo created a night of thought-provoking art. The night encountered many Winnipegers who felt both excited and refreshed to witness a showcase that debuted artist of colour. Both visual and performance art took place: Dione Haynes (rampage!) spoken word, and vocal percussionist, Alexa Potashnik (MC Woke), coloured the evening that enhanced the multi-media throughout the show. Sponsors including: Soul Unexpected with Adeline Bird, Raw Colours, QPOC Winnipeg and EZE Studio all had a role in the success of keeping Nuit Blanche fun, inclusive and diverse.  

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